Toxic Tort Litigation
A wide variety of substances either alleged or known to be harmful are commonly used in many types of manufacturing. Despite best efforts, employees and consumers can be exposed to these substances. When claims and lawsuits arise alleging injury or disease from exposure to chemicals, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s toxic tort attorneys are fully equipped and ready to counsel clients and resolve matters—by trial, if necessary.
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has litigated the full range of chemical exposure/toxic tort cases involving personal injury and property damage. The firm’s legal expertise and scientific/technical background have resulted in effective handling of claims involving the following:
- Toxins and fibers (including asbestos and silica)
- Propane
- Diesel fumes
- Latex
- Diacetyl/butter flavoring
- Radiation
- PCBs
- Mold
- Benzene
- Polycarbonate plastic bottles
- CO
- Dioxin
- Lead
- BETX
- Chlorine
- MEK
- MTBE
The firm’s use of sophisticated computers, information databases, and paralegal specialists fosters efficient, practical claim evaluation and resolution.
In its capacity as national and regional counsel for product manufacturers and premises owners in mass tort and toxic tort litigation, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has effectively coordinated and managed recurrent litigation filed in state and federal courts throughout the country. Our role has included:
- Client document review, witness identification and preparation, and defense strategy development
- Preparation and coordination of discovery responses and document production nationwide
- Preparation of deposition outlines and questionnaires for local counsel use
- Review and approval of all pleadings
- Development, preparation and presentation of all corporate witnesses
- Defense strategy development, both generally and on a case-specific basis, and development and presentation of defense expert witnesses
- Research, preparation and cross-examination of plaintiff’s expert witnesses
- Product testing
- Trial
Firm attorneys also have broad experience in mass litigation, including “Multidistrict Litigation” proceedings (MDL), medical monitoring class actions, and multi-plaintiff filings and trials. Our class action experience has included asbestos, medical monitoring, latex gloves, consumer fraud, polycarbonate plastic bottles, groundwater contamination (including drinking water), hazardous waste and others.
News
Chicago, IL, April 19, 2013
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Awarded Summary Judgment in Trace Benzene Case
The Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County rejected the plaintiffs' claim that trace amounts of benzene in the defendant’s aerosols and liquids led the decedent to develop acute myeloid leukemia.
Chicago, IL, Lisle, IL, August 22, 2012
Two Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Chicago, Lisle Offices
Erica S. Longfield joins the Chicago office, while Kevin L. Sterk practices in the Lisle office.
Chicago, IL, August 6, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s Drumke Elected Vice Chair of ABA Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section
Drumke's term commences a three-year leadership track as an ABA Section Officer.
Chicago, IL, March 20, 2012
Product Liability Law360 Profiles Drumke
The publication highlighted new Partner Michael W. Drumke's experience in toxic tort and product liability litigation.
Chicago, IL, March 19, 2012
Toxic Tort Team, Former Patent Examiner Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP welcomes four lateral attorneys to its Chicago office.
Chicago, IL, January 23, 2012
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Names New Partners
The firm's new partners focus on a variety of practice areas.
Chicago, IL, January 10, 2012
Lateral Attorney, New Law School Graduates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
The firm welcomes three new law school graduates and one lateral attorney to the Chicago office.
Chicago, IL, October 27, 2011
Four Lateral Associates Join Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
All are associates in the firm's Chicago office.
Chicago, IL, June 14, 2011
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Moderate, Speak at Benzene Litigation Conference Audiocast
Two Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys are participating in an upcoming Benzene Litigation Conference Audiocast.
Chicago, IL, February 4, 2011
Fitzpatrick Gives Purdue Students Tips for Building a Career
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner George F. Fitzpatrick, Jr. spoke to Purdue University College of Liberal Arts students about his legal career as part of the college’s “LA Influentials” lecture/discussion course.
Chicago, IL, October 26, 2010
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorney Named President of Indiana University Maurer School of Law Alumni Board
Angela Karras Neboyskey, of counsel at Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP, is the 2011 President of the Alumni Board of Directors for the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Chicago, IL, August 4, 2010
Fitzpatrick Presents at 2010 National Forum for Environmental & Toxic Tort Issues
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Partner George F. Fitzpatrick, Jr. will be a presenter at the National Forum for Environmental & Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI) in Chicago.
